A Socio-Technical Exploration for Reducing & Mitigating the Risk of Retained Foreign Objects.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Surgical Risk

Background:

• Retained foreign objects (RFOs) are infrequent but serious adverse events in surgical and maternity settings.
• Underreporting makes accurate incidence rates difficult to establish, with estimates ranging from 1/1000 to 1/19,000 procedures.
• RFO incidents incur substantial costs to patients, healthcare institutions, and taxpayers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and understand the problem of RFOs in Irish surgical and maternity settings.
• To develop hospital-specific foreign object management processes and implementation roadmaps.
• To present a methodological approach for producing generalizable results applicable to other health-related issues.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of an integrated evidence-based assessment methodology for social-technical modeling (SCOPE Analysis Cube).
• Utilization of bow tie methodologies for managing risks in implementing and sustaining change.
• A multi-phase research approach involving active collaboration with clinical and healthcare staff.

Main Results:

• The study presents a novel methodological approach for analyzing and addressing RFOs.
• It outlines the potential for developing effective, hospital-specific foreign object management strategies.
• The research methodology is designed to yield generalizable findings for broader healthcare applications.

Conclusions:

• The proposed methodology offers a robust framework for understanding and mitigating RFO risks.
• Implementing tailored management processes can enhance patient safety and reduce associated costs.
• This research provides a foundation for improving healthcare practices beyond the specific issue of retained foreign objects.